The Bainbridge High School Bearcats will work this week on eliminating mistakes.

That was the feeling expressed Monday morning by Bearcats head football coach Ed Pilcher, following his team’s 33-14 Friday night season-opening loss at Centennial Field to the East Gadsden High School Jaguars from Havana, Fla.

The Bearcats lost four fumbles and had one pass intercepted.
“One of our lost fumbles was caused by a hit at the point of the quarterback-running back exchange, but the other three were just a result of poor ball security,” Pilcher said.

“The interception, our fifth turnover, was just the result of a misread by the quarterback. I thought quarterbacks Preston Norris and Aaron Calloway both did a pretty good job.”

The Bearcats scored twice in the first half, on a 24-yard touchdown run by quarterback Preston Norris, which gave them a 7-0 first-quarter lead, and a 7-yard touchdown run by Damian Bouie, which gave them a 14-7 second-quarter lead. Daniel Provence kicked the extra point after both touchdowns.

Pilcher said he thought his offensive line did a good job of blocking, and his running backs, while failing to secure the ball, did run hard.
“Defensively, I did not think anybody had a real strong effort,” he said. “We made some adjustments at halftime and allowed them only one second-half touchdown.

“Give East Gadsden credit. They have an excellent football team and we knew that coming in.

“Their senior quarterback and wide receiver are really good and they have a strong senior running back who also plays some linebacker.
With the open date this week, the Bearcats will be working on cleaning up their game before facing another tough foe in rival Cairo.

“All losses hurt, but you have got to learn from your mistakes.” Pilcher said. “Our goals of having a good season and making the playoffs are still very attainable.

“The Cairo High School Syrupmakers, our next opponent Friday, Sept. 7, at home, will be opening their season this Friday against the Thomasville High School Bulldogs at home and we will be going over there to scout them.”